According to Sky Sports, the two clubs had previously agreed a fee, while personal terms had also been agreed with the Brazilian. Taison has also visited Stamford Bridge and met with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. However, it is believed that a change in ownership of the Ukrainian club has put the brakes on the deal going through.

The new man at the helm, Serhiy Kurchenko, now appears keen to keep Taison at the club. Markevitch, though, has suggested that it might be better for all concerned if Taison, who turns 25 on Sunday, is permitted to depart.

"If he does not play with the soul and heart of Kharkiv, he is not with Metalist and it is better to let him go," he said, according to the London Evening Standard.

"Prior to the change of ownership of the club, there was an option for parting with Taison. At the same time, the new owner does not share this position and does not think that we must part with Taison.

"He has a clause in the contract, according to which, if any club will offer $20million (£12.4million) or more, we will be forced to sell him.

"If this happens, I would urge the owner to part with Taison. I am sure that I can, for that money, buy two players to replace Taison and it will only strengthen the team."

There have also been ongoing reports about the future of Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini. Stories have emerged in recent days that the Belgium international has a £22 million release clause in his contract.

Having long been linked to Fellaini, Chelsea are again said to be preparing a move, while Manchester United and Arsenal are also believed to be interested.

The Liverpool Echo, however, has claimed that the release clause inserted into the contract Fellaini signed in 2011 is for a higher fee than has been reported. Everton believe that they can keep hold of their top scorer by achieving a place in the Champions League for next season.

Felliani denied comments attributed to him earlier in the season suggesting he would soon be seeking a move to a bigger club and has since stated his commitment to Everton.

There is further speculation too about the two Chelsea veterans with contracts expiring this summer—Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.

Lampard’s agent has already revealed that he has been told that his client will not be offered a new deal. The Manchester Evening News has become the latest outlet to report that Manchester United are considering signing the 34-year-old on a free transfer in the summer.

And the Sun is now reporting that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also seeking to bring Ashley Cole to Old Trafford. There has not yet been any confirmation about whether Cole will be offered a new deal with Chelsea, although it is believed that Roman Abramovich wants to continue to overhaul the squad.